by Holly Berry

Created on: March 08, 2008

I have two hobbies that help me relax. I'm a freelance writer, so I don't have a problem finding time to relax with either of my hobbies. My dog "hobby" has been proven in study after study to be good for my physical and emotional health. Since my three dogs [Boo, Ben and Tip] live in the house, I'm constantly interacting with them.

I awake in the morning with Boo waiting patiently by the bed to be petted. I go to sleep at night with Tip nestled in the curve of my legs. In between those two events, Ben guards me when I go to the bathroom. I have a small bathroom. There's just enough room for him, me and Tip, sometimes. But if Boo hears me talking to the boys in the bathroom. . .she simply HAS to force her way in there, too. At half the size of the males, but twice their ferocity, they always make room for the alpha bitch who rules their world.

On any day it's not raining I go outside with the dogs to "Play". They think it's play, I know it's part play and part tasking for Mama. I don't look at what I do outside with the dogs as "work", it's simply tasks that need to be done. Sometimes I work with Tip on his training. I'm using the "Sit Means Sit" method of teaching him to how to behave the way I want him to behave. Whatever the newest behavior he and I have learned from his trainer, Luke, we practice together, and then we practice the things he already knows.

Other times I brush all the dogs. Regular brushing is an essential part of a healthy coat and skin. My dogs adore the individual attention. I swear I have seen Boo look at the boys and gloat when I was brushing her and they had to wait for their turn. Ben has a special spot, right where his tail joins his body, if I brush very firmly, he pokes his tongue in and out of his mouth. It's strange to watch, but I can tell it's his way of showing how much he enjoys it. Tip shows his enjoyment of a good brushing by leaning his full 100+ pounds against my legs. "AHHHHH! It feels so good, I can't hold myself up, Mama!"

If the boys are full of energy, I'll throw the retrieve dummy for them. As the boys get caught up in the spirit of the chase and bringing the dummy back to me, over and over and over, sometimes Boo's herding instincts will kick in. Then it goes rodeo. They are chasing the dummy. She's chasing them, nipping at their heels to herd them towards the house and away from the dummy. I'm laughing so hard tears are running down my face and wishing I'd brought my camera outside. There's nothing quite like playing

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